Yes, I am counting. I need this working vacation. Two years with no breaks and I am closing in on owning a private room at the funny farm, the loony bin, the booby hatch, the cuckoos nest–whatever you want to call it.

I went to the liquor store yesterday and gave the clerks there a great amount of amusement for their afternoon. I explained to one clerk that I was looking for a couple of ‘writerly’ wines to take to my writer’s conference. He quickly got into the spirit of things and gathered a couple of other clerks to the task.

I gave them two rules. 1. The wines couldn’t be too pricey 2. They had to make me laugh

I had no idea how many wine names could make me giggle.

As G and I wandered about the store a voice would pipe up often with the name of a wine. I would reply with a ‘no’ or a ‘hold onto that one.’ Other customers were giving strange looks to the clerks, G, and me but we were having fun.

In the end I came home with two bottles that to me were the perfect winners.

I am starting to have one or two dinners a week meatless. This is strictly for me. I’d have The Curmudgeon do it too but he refuses to. “No meat? No way!”

I can’t force him to change his diet. I have asked him to, but he won’t do it. I can’t even get him to cut back on his use of salt. Even with proof that less salt is better for him with his MS. At least he’s not fighting me so much on more fish and chicken and less red meats.

I am looking forward to four days of no cooking and no doing dishes. I’ve even been sneaking peaks at the menus of the three restaurants in the hotel. I will be indulging myself shamelessly.

More rain around here is making it impossible to get a few things finished before I leave. I guess the chores can wait until I get home.

If it will stop raining long enough I might get to enjoy my lilacs before they are gone.

I’m one of those people who will always forget something when packing. Therefore I make a list of what to pack, pack it, and then take the list with me so when I pack to come home I can use my list again. Still, I have been known to forget things.

Patty seems to be recovering from whatever had her under the weather. She’s back to doing her ‘stick ’em ups’ so I’m thinking we’re good.

The Curmudgeon’s ribs are still giving him fits but he has about four more weeks or so of misery to go before they heal.

Gavin and I are hanging in there. We always do.

I wish a miracle would happen during my conference and my yard would have no pond, be mowed, and ready for a patio or two. Coming home to having the indoor painting done would also be a thrill. Yeah, I know, not going to happen. However, no one ever said I couldn’t dream.

Holy cow, if I keep buying more stuff to put in the baskets I’ll have to buy more baskets. I couldn’t help myself we were in this dollar store today and there were all sorts of neat things there.

I am counting down the days to the conference. I can’t wait to get there and see all my friends I haven’t seen for two years.

My laptop’s battery isn’t holding a charge well so I have to make sure I carry the power cord with me at all times. I’ve dragged my suitcase down from the attic and have vacuumed it out. Must start writing my check list of ‘things not to forget to pack.’

I bought two large baskets and a hat box to add to the three smaller baskets I had. I have stacks of books, note paper, pens, pencils, and some toys. Next, I’ll get the chocolate, snacks, wine, and other things to drink. Hey, the bar isn’t inexpensive.

Before the fifteenth, I need to drag my suitcase down from the attic, pull out the wheeled computer case, and pack. Haircut on the 7th, yay! Can’t wait, my mop is too long and thick, it feels like I’m wearing a heavy wool cap.

G is going to keep checking on The Curmudgeon along with a few other friends. I hope Gavin and Patty are on their best behavior.

I am looking forward to a four-day break. Look out, I’m beyond ready!

You is going to leavez us alone wid da old man? If he don’t havez jelly beans, you iz gonna owe us big time!

If this were a normal year, I would’ve arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday and be enjoying the company of my many Pennwriters friends at the Pennwriters conference.

This is not a normal year. The Curmudgeon has had seizures and because of that I stayed home this year. I feared being clear across the state with no one here to check on him.

I got rather snarky with the MS society recently. I think it’s good I did. I am beginning to get some help that I wasn’t getting before. I should have done it sooner. If I had, I would probably be at the conference enjoying my four-day working vacation.

To all of you people attending the conference this year. I desperately wish I was there. I REALLY NEED A VACATION!! And most of all, I miss everyone!!!

To all my Pennwriters friends… I will not be attending the Pennwriters conference this year.

The Curmudgeon’s tests have shown that he is having some seizure activity and he is not allowed to drive for a while. I do not feel as though I can go that far away from home for that long now.

Just think, I won’t be there to win baskets this year. However, this also means I won’t be there to donate my usual number of them either. I will miss you all very much. Please snag extra handouts, take copious notes, and send me copies!!!

I am crushed, heartbroken, devastated, and I will miss you all very much.